Blower device for a respirator

ABSTRACT

A blower device for a respiratory protection system comprises a fan for generating an airflow, further comprises at least one filter element which is configured to be flown through by the airflow, comprises a housing unit accommodating the fan and the at least one filter element and comprises an air conveying channel, which accommodates the filter element and is configured for guiding an airflow between the filter element and the fan, wherein the air conveying channel is configured for a deflection of an airflow between the fan and the filter element,wherein the air conveying channel is embodied separately from the housing unit and the at least one filter element is fixedly integrated in the air conveying channel.

The invention concerns a blower device for a respiratory protectionsystem.

A blower device for a respiratory protection system has already beenproposed, with a fan for generating an airflow, with at least one filterelement which is configured to be flown through by the airflow, with ahousing unit accommodating the fan and the at least one filter element,and with an air conveying channel, which accommodates the filter elementand is configured for guiding the airflow between the filter element andthe fan.

The objective of the invention is in particular to provide a genericdevice having improved characteristics regarding compactness andcomfort. The objective is achieved according to invention by thefeatures of patent claim 1 while advantageous implementations andfurther developments of the invention may be gathered from thesubclaims.

Advantages of the Invention

The invention is based on a blower device for a respiratory protectionsystem, with a fan for generating an airflow, with at least one filterelement which is configured to be flown through by the airflow, with ahousing unit accommodating the fan and the at least one filter element,and with an air conveying channel, which accommodates the filter elementand is configured for guiding the airflow between the filter element andthe fan, wherein the air conveying channel is configured for adeflection of an airflow between the fan and the filter element.

It is proposed that the air conveying channel is embodied separatelyfrom the housing unit and the at least one filter element is fixedlyintegrated in the air conveying channel. Preferably the air conveyingchannel is realized by a separate component which is removable from thehousing unit. The air conveying channel is in particular realized as anexchangeable component. Preferably the housing unit comprises at leasttwo housing shells, the air conveying channel being embodied separatelyfrom the housing shells. It would principally be conceivable that theair conveying channel is fixedly connected to an exchangeable cover.Preferentially the filter element is connected to the air conveyingchannel directly. The filter element is in particular connected to theair conveying channel while free of an additional, in particularseparate, filter housing.

Preferably the fan is arranged at least partly next to the at least onefilter element, the airflow being deflected between the fan and thefilter element. Preferably the filter element and the fan are arrangedin the common housing unit. The blower device is in particularimplemented by a compact blower device. The blower device is inparticular configured to be worn on the body, like for example on theback and/or on the hip.

By a “blower device” is in particular, in this context, a device to beunderstood which is configured for an active generation of an airflowfor supplying a user with breathing air. The blower device is inparticular configured, in operation, to feed the airflow to a mouthprotection device of the respiratory protection system. Preferably theblower device is connected to the mouth protection device of therespiratory protection system via at least one breathing air supplyline. Preferably the blower device is configured, in operation, to suckair from an environment, to purify the air, in particular to filter theair, and to actively feed the purified air to a user, in particular viathe mouth protection device. Preferentially the blower device isconfigured to generate an active airflow. The blower device is inparticular configured to generate an overpressure airflow. The fan is inparticular configured, during operation, for an active generation of anairflow. In particular, the fan is configured for an active suction ofair from an environment and for an active transport of the air to themouth protection device of the respiratory protection system. The fan isin particular implemented by an axial fan and/or radial fan. By a“filter element” is in particular, in this context, an element to beunderstood which is configured for a filtration of the airflow duringoperation. For this purpose the filter element preferably comprises afilter which is during operation flown through by the airflow.Preferably the airflow flows completely through the filter of the filterelement. The filter element is in particular configured for separatingoff particles, in particular suspended matter, from the airflow. In thiscontext a variety of filters, deemed expedient by someone skilled in theart, are conceivable. Preferably the filter of the filter element is inparticular implemented by an aerosol filter. Preferably the filter isembodied as a depth filter or cake filter, in particular as a lamellatefilter.

By “the fan being arranged at least partly next to the at least onefilter element” is in particular to be understood, in this context, thatin a direction that is perpendicular to a main extent direction of thefan, the fan is free of being completely covered by the filter element.Preferably a normal vector of the main extent plane of the fan, whichruns through the geometric center of the fan, is free of an intersectionpoint with the filter element. Preferably the fan and the filter elementare arranged side by side in a main extent plane of the blower device.Preferentially, viewed perpendicularly to the main extent plane of theblower device, the fan and the filter element are realized so as to beat least substantially free, in particular completely free, of mutuallycovering each other. By a “main extent plane” of a structural unit is inparticular a plane to be understood which is parallel to a largest sidesurface of a smallest imaginary rectangular cuboid just still completelyenclosing the structural unit, and which in particular runs through thecenter point of the rectangular cuboid. “At least substantially” is inparticular to mean, in this context, that a deviation from a given valueis in particular less than 25%, preferably less than 10% andparticularly preferentially less than 5% of the given value.“Configured” is in particular to mean specifically programmed, designedand/or equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function isin particular to be understood that the object fulfills and/or executessaid certain function in at least one application state and/or operationstate.

An “air conveying channel” is in particular to mean, in this context, acomponent which forms a channel and is configured for guiding air.Preferably the air conveying channel is configured to at leastsection-wise delimit the airflow. The air conveying channel inparticular forms a guiding channel that is configured to guide theairflow, wherein the air conveying channel is in particular configuredfor a defined deflection of the airflow. Preferentially the airconveying channel forms a deflection between the filter element and thefan. The deflection may be implemented, for example, as a curve, as acurvature, as a bend or the like. Preferably a flow-in axis and/or aflow-in direction of the airflow into the air conveying channel issubstantially different and/or substantially offset from a flow-out axisand/or a flow-out direction of the airflow out of the guiding channel.By the “filter element being fixedly integrated in the air conveyingchannel” is in particular to be understood, in this context, that thefilter element is fixedly connected to the air conveying channel.Preferably the filter element is connected to the air conveying channelin an at least substantially non-releasable manner. “In an at leastsubstantially non-releasable manner” is here in particular to mean aconnection of at least two elements which are separable from each otheronly with the assistance of separating tools, like for example a saw, inparticular a mechanical saw, etc., and/or chemical separation agents,like for example solving agents, etc.

Preferably the airflow between the fan and the filter element isdeflected by at least 50°, preferably by at least 90°, preferentially byat least 140° and particularly preferentially by at least 180°. By the“airflow being deflected between the fan and the filter element” is inparticular to be understood, in this context, that during operation ofthe blower device, the airflow changes direction on its way between thefilter element and the fan, in particular within the air conveyingchannel. A “direction” of the airflow is in particular to mean, in thiscontext, an averaged movement direction of the particles of the airflowin one point. Preferably the air conveying channel, which is configuredfor guiding the airflow, is at least partially arranged between thefilter element and the fan, the air conveying channel being configuredfor a defined deflection of the airflow. Preferentially the airconveying channel forms a deflection between the filter element and thefan. The deflection may be realized, for example, as a curve, as acurvature, as a bend or the like. Preferably a flow-in axis and/or aflow-in direction of the airflow into the air conveying channel issubstantially different and/or substantially offset from a flow-out axisand/or a flow-out direction of the airflow out of the air conveyingchannel. This in particular allows providing an advantageously compact,in particular flat, blower device. It is in particular possible todispense with a direct stacking of the fan and the filter unit. As aresult, in particular an advantageously low construction height of theblower device is achievable.

The implementation according to the invention in particular allowsproviding an advantageously compact, in particular flat, blower device.In particular, a direct coupling of the air conveying channel and thefilter element is obtainable. As a result, in particular a closefitting-in of the filter element is achievable in an advantageouslysimple manner. It is in particular possible to do without additionalsealings and frames. As a result, in particular an advantageously lowconstruction height of the blower device is achievable. Furthermore,this in particular enables an advantageously simple exchange of thefilter element. The filter element is in particular advantageouslyexchangeable together with the air conveying channel.

It is further proposed that the air conveying channel and the at leastone filter element form a filter exchange module. Preferably the airconveying channel and the at least one filter element are implemented asan exchangeable filter exchange module, which is exchanged as a unit foran exchange of the filter element. A “filter exchange module” is inparticular to mean, in this context, an exchangeable module, inparticular mounting module. It is preferably to be understood as anexchangeable module comprising several components which are configuredfor being pre-mounted to form a unit, which is then mounted as a wholein a further unit, in particular in the blower device. Preferably theentire filter exchange module is exchanged during an exchange. This inparticular enables an advantageously simple exchange of the filterelement. The filter element is in particular advantageously exchangeabletogether with the air conveying channel.

Beyond this it is proposed that the at least one filter element isconnected to the air conveying channel at least partly bysubstance-to-substance bond. Preferably the at least one filter elementis glued with the air conveying channel. “Connected bysubstance-to-substance bond” is in particular to mean that the massparticles are held together by atomic forces or molecular forces, whichis the case, for example, with soldering, welding, gluing and/orvulcanizing. This in particular enables a direct coupling of the airconveying channel and the filter element. As a result, in particularclose fitting-in of the filter element is achievable in anadvantageously simple manner. It is in particular possible to do withoutadditional sealings and frames. As a result, in particular anadvantageously low construction height of the blower device isachievable. Furthermore, in particular an advantageously simple exchangeof the filter element is achievable in this way. The filter element isin particular advantageously exchangeable together with the airconveying channel.

It is also proposed that the air conveying channel forms a filter frameof the at least one filter element. Preferably the air conveying channelis configured for a positioning and/or a stabilization of the filterelement. Preferentially the filter element is realized so as to be freeof a frame of its own. Especially preferentially the filter of thefilter element is introduced directly into the air conveying channel. Inparticular, the filter of the filter element is glued directly into theair conveying channel. This in particular allows providing anadvantageously compact, in particular flat, blower device.

Moreover, it is proposed that a flow-in direction of the airflow intothe air conveying channel is substantially different from a flow-outdirection of the airflow out of the air conveying channel. Preferablythe air conveying channel has an inlet opening, wherein the flow-indirection extends perpendicularly to a plane of the inlet opening.Preferentially a flow-in direction of the airflow into the air conveyingchannel extends perpendicularly to a main extent plane of the filterelement. Preferably the air conveying channel further comprises anoutlet opening, wherein the flow-out direction runs perpendicularly to aplane of the outlet opening. The flow-in direction in particular definesan averaged direction of the airflow when entering the air conveyingchannel. The flow-out direction in particular defines an averageddirection of the airflow when exiting the air conveying channel.Preferably an angle included by the flow-in direction of the airflowinto the air conveying channel and the flow-out direction of the airflowout of the air conveying channel amounts to more than 40°, preferably tomore than 60° and particularly preferentially to more than 80°. In thisway in particular an advantageously compact arrangement of the airconveying channel and of the filter element is achievable. It is thus inparticular possible to provide an advantageously compact, in particularflat-built, blower device.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the air conveying channel has an inletopening and an outlet opening, an opening cross section of the inletopening being essentially larger than an opening cross section of theoutlet opening. Preferably a surface area of the opening cross sectionof the inlet opening is at least twice as large as a surface area of theopening cross section of the outlet opening. Preferentially a surfacearea of the opening cross section of the inlet opening is at least threetimes, preferably at least four times and particularly preferentially atleast five times as large as a surface area of the opening cross sectionof the outlet opening. The surface area of the opening cross section ofthe inlet opening is in particular at least approximately equivalent toa surface area of the filter element in the main extent plane of thefilter element. Preferably the opening cross section of the inletopening extends parallel to a main extent plane of the filter element.In this way in particular an advantageous air guidance is achievable. Itis thus in particular possible to provide an advantageously compact, inparticular flat-built, blower device.

Beyond this it is proposed that the blower device comprises a furtherfilter element, which is situated next to the fan and is fixedlyintegrated in the air conveying channel. Preferably the further filterelement is arranged next to the fan and/or next to the one filterelement, and its flow-through direction of the airflow differs from aflow-through direction of the airflow through the fan and/or the filterelement. Preferably the further filter element is arranged next to thefan. Furthermore, the flow-through direction of the airflow through thefurther filter element differs from a flow-through direction through thefan. This in particular enables an advantageously compact arrangement ofthe fan, the filter element and the further filter element. It is thusin particular possible to provide an advantageously compact, inparticular flat-built, blower device.

It is further proposed that the air conveying channel, the filterelement and the further filter element form a filter exchange module, inparticular an alternative filter exchange module. Preferably the airconveying channel, the filter element and the further filter element arerealized as an exchangeable filter exchange module, which is exchangedas a unit for an exchange of the filter element. It is in particularconceivable that different filter exchange modules can be inserted,depending on an application. In particular, the filter exchange moduleor the alternative filter exchange module can be inserted. This inparticular enables an advantageously simple exchange of the filterelement. The filter element is in particular advantageously exchangeabletogether with the air conveying channel.

It is moreover proposed that the housing unit has a thickness of lessthan 70 mm. Preferably the housing unit has a thickness of less than 50mm. The housing unit in particular serves for a protection and anorientation of the fan and the filter element. Preferably the blowerdevice further comprises an energy storage for an energy supply of thefan, which is also accommodated in the housing unit. A “thickness” ofthe housing unit is in particular to mean, in this context, a maximumextent of the housing unit perpendicularly to a main extent plane of thehousing unit. In this way it is in particular possible to provide anadvantageously compact blower device.

Beyond this it is proposed that the fan is configured to create a volumeflow of the airflow of at least 50 l/min and maximally 250 l/min.Preferably the fan is configured to create a volume flow of the airflowof at least 80 l/min and maximally 120 l/min. This in particular allowsproviding an advantageously compact, high-performance blower device.

The invention is furthermore based on a respiratory protection system,in particular a blower respiratory protection system, with the blowerdevice and with at least one mouth protection device. It is proposedthat the at least one blower device is configured to create anoverpressure in the mouth protection device. Preferably the at least oneblower device is configured to create a relative overpressure in themouth protection device with respect to an environment. A “respiratoryprotection system” is in particular to mean, in this context, a systemwith a blower device and with a mouth protection device, which isconfigured to actively provide an airflow for a breathing air supply ofa user. Preferably the respiratory protection system is in particularconfigured, during operation, to create by means of a blower device anairflow which is fed to the mouth protection device of the respiratoryprotection system. Preferably the blower device is connected to themouth protection device of the respiratory protection system via atleast one breathing air supply line. Preferably the respiratoryprotection system is configured, in operation, to suck air from anenvironment, to purify the air, in particular to filter the air, and toactively feed the purified air to a user via the mouth protectiondevice. By a “mouth protection device” is in particular, in thiscontext, a device to be understood which forms a half-mask and isconfigured to be worn at least in a user's mouth and nose region.Preferably the device is configured to form a breathing zone in front ofthe user's mouth and/or nose region, which is continuously supplied withbreathing air during operation. Preferentially the mouth protectiondevice is configured to directly supply a user with breathing air and toprotect a user's mouth and/or nose region from external influences, inparticular from gases, particles and/or suspended matter. Preferentiallythe mouth protection device is free of a cover of a user's eyes, inparticular a user's eye region. Preferably the mouth protection devicecomprises a mask base body, which is configured to cover a user's mouthand/or nose region and which delimits a breathing zone at least partly,and comprises at least one breathing air supply line, which is connectedwith the mask base body and delimits at least one breathing air channelthat ends in the breathing zone and is configured for guiding an activebreathing air flow. This in particular allows providing anadvantageously comfortable respiratory protection system. In particular,a reliable breathing air supply is enabled.

The blower device according to the invention and/or the respiratoryprotection system shall not be limited to the application andimplementation described above. In particular, in order to fulfill afunctionality that is described here, the blower device according to theinvention and/or the respiratory protection system may comprise a numberof individual elements, components and units that differs from a numbergiven here. Moreover, in regard to the value ranges given in the presentdisclosure, values situated within the limits mentioned shall also beconsidered as disclosed and as applicable according to requirements.

DRAWINGS

Further advantages will become apparent from the following descriptionof the drawings. In the drawings two exemplary embodiments of theinvention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claimscontain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in theart will purposefully also consider the features individually and willfind further expedient combinations.

It is shown in:

FIG. 1 a respiratory protection system with a blower device, with amouth protection device, with a vest and with an external operating unitand a user, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 2 the blower device of the respiratory protection system in aschematic illustration,

FIG. 3 the blower device of the respiratory protection system with a fanand with a filter element, in a schematic sectional view along thesection line II-II,

FIG. 4 the mouth protection device of the respiratory protection systemand a user's head, in a schematic illustration,

FIG. 5 the mouth protection device of the respiratory protection systemin a schematic partial sectional view,

FIG. 6 a portion of the mouth protection device of the respiratoryprotection system, in a schematic sectional view, and

FIG. 7 an alternative blower device of a respiratory protection systemwith a fan, with a filter element and with a further filter element, ina schematic sectional view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a respiratory protection system 10 a. The respiratoryprotection system 10 a is realized by a blower respiratory protectionsystem. The respiratory protection system 10 a is in particular realizedby a blower respiratory protection system of safety class TH3. Therespiratory protection system 10 a is configured for a protection of auser 18 a from particles like smoke, aerosols and/or dust. Furthermore,the respiratory protection system 10 a is in addition capable ofprotecting from unpleasant smells and noxious ozone. It is in particularconceivable that in environments with insalubrious or even toxic gases,the respiratory protection system 10 a protects the user 18 a fromorganic, inorganic and/or acidic gases. The respiratory protectionsystem 10 a comprises a blower device 14 a and a mouth protection device12 a. The blower device 14 a is configured to generate a breathing airflow 26 a. The blower device 14 a is configured to generate a breathingair flow 26 a for the mouth protection device 12 a.

The blower device 14 a comprises a housing unit 58 a. The housing unit58 a is realized by a plastic housing. The housing unit 58 a comprisestwo housing shells 70 a, 72 a, namely a first housing shell 70 a and asecond housing shell 72 a, which are connected to each other. The firsthousing shell 70 a comprises two openable covers 74 a, 76 a, via whichan inner space of the housing unit 58 a can be made accessible. Thesecond housing shell 72 a forms a rear side of the housing unit 58 a,which faces toward the user 18 a in a worn state. The second housingshell 72 a is concavely curved on an outer side. The curvature of thesecond housing shell 72 a is adapted to a back curvature of a human. Thehousing unit 58 a further comprises several air inlet openings 78 a. Theair inlet openings 78 a are implemented by slits in the first housingshell 70 a. In operation, the air inlet openings 78 a serve forsuctioning an ambient air via an airflow 50 a. Furthermore, the housingunit 58 a comprises an air outlet opening 80 a. The air outlet opening80 a is realized by a tube connection piece at the first housing shell70 a. In operation, the air outlet opening 80 a serves for an output ofthe purified airflow 50 a, in particular a breathing air flow 26 a. Inoperation, the breathing air flow 26 a is forwarded from the air outletopening 80 a to the mouth protection device 12 a (FIGS. 1, 2 ).

The housing unit 58 a has a thickness d of less than 70 mm. The housingunit 58 a has a thickness d of less than 50 mm.

The blower device 14 a further comprises a fan 48 a for a generation ofan airflow 50 a. The blower device 14 a is configured for creating anoverpressure in the mouth protection device 12 a. The fan 48 a isconfigured to create an overpressure in the mouth protection device 12a. The fan 48 a is configured to create a volume flow of the airflow 50a of at least 50 l/min and maximally 250 l/min. The fan 48 a isconfigured to create a volume flow of the airflow 50 a of at least 80l/min and maximally 120 l/min. During operation, the blower device 14 ais configured to create in the mouth protection device 12 a, by means ofthe fan 48 a, a relative overpressure with respect to an environment.The fan 48 a is embodied by an electrical radial fan. However,principally a different implementation, deemed expedient by someoneskilled in the art, would also be conceivable. The fan 48 a is arrangedin the housing unit 58 a. A main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 aextends at least substantially parallel to a main extent plane of thehousing unit 58 a. The fan 48 a is arranged in an upper region of theblower device 14 a. The air outlet opening 80 a is arranged on an exitside of the fan 48 a. The blower device 14 a further comprises a controland/or regulation unit 86 a for a control and/or regulation of the fan48 a during operation. The control and/or regulation unit 86 a is inparticular configured for an automatic adaption of a performance gradeof the fan 48 a. The control and/or regulation unit 86 a is configuredto adjust an air flow level of the fan 48 a depending on a saturation ofa filter element 52 a. The control and/or regulation unit 86 a isfurthermore configured for an automatic airflow control and airflowadaption (FIG. 3 ).

The blower device 14 a also comprises a filter element 52 a. The filterelement 52 a is configured to be flown through by the airflow 50 a. Thefilter element 52 a is implemented by a rectangular-cuboid-shaped filtermodule. The filter element 52 a is implemented by an aerosol filter. Thefilter element 52 a is embodied as a depth filter, in particular as alamellate filter. It would however also be conceivable that the filterelement 52 a is implemented as a gas filter, in particular as an A1B1E1gas filter. The filter element 52 a is arranged in the housing unit 58a. A main extent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 a extends at leastsubstantially parallel to a main extent plane of the housing unit 58 a.The filter element 52 a is arranged in a lower region of the blowerdevice 14 a. The housing unit 58 a accommodates the fan 48 a and thefilter element 52 a. On an entry side of the filter element 52 a, theair inlet opening 78 a is arranged. Furthermore, the filter element 52 ais implemented so as to be exchangeable via the cover 74 a. A filterexchange module 110 a with the filter element 52 a is implemented so asto be exchangeable via the cover 74 a (FIG. 3 ).

The fan 48 a is arranged next to the filter element 52 a, the airflow 50a being deflected between the fan 48 a and the filter element 52 a. Thefilter element 52 a and the fan 48 a are together arranged in thehousing unit 58 a. The blower device 14 a further comprises an airconveying channel 82 a, which accommodates the filter element 52 a andwhich is configured to guide the airflow 50 a between the filter element52 a and the fan 48 a. The air conveying channel 82 a is embodiedseparately from the housing unit 58 a. The housing unit 58 a comprises areceptacle for a defined accommodation of the air conveying channel 82a. The air conveying channel 82 a is realized so as to be removable fromthe housing unit 58 a. The air conveying channel 82 a can be inserted inthe housing unit 58 a in a defined position. Ina state of the airconveying channel 82 a when inserted in the housing unit 58 a, the airconveying channel 82 a is directly coupled with an entry channel of thefan 48 a. An outlet opening 114 a of the air conveying channel 82 a iscoupled with the entry channel of the fan 48 a in a sealing fashion. Theair conveying channel 82 a further comprises an inlet opening 112 a andthe outlet opening 114 a, an opening cross section of the inlet opening112 a being essentially larger than an opening cross section of theoutlet opening 114 a. A surface area of the opening cross section of theinlet opening 112 a is at least twice as large as a surface area of theopening cross section of the outlet opening 114 a. Preferentially asurface area of the opening cross section of the inlet opening 112 a isat least three times, preferably at least four times and particularlypreferentially at least five times as large as a surface area of theopening cross section of the outlet opening 114 a. The surface area ofthe opening cross section of the inlet opening 112 a is in particular atleast approximately equivalent to a surface area of the filter element52 a in the main extent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 a.

The filter element 52 a is fixedly integrated in the air conveyingchannel 82 a. The air conveying channel 82 a and the filter element 52 aform the filter exchange module 110 a. The filter exchange module 110 ais implemented so as to be exchangeable as a whole via the cover 74 a.The filter element 52 a is at least partly connected to the airconveying channel 82 a by substance-to-substance bond. The filterelement 52 a is glued into the air conveying channel 82 a. The filterelement 52 a is glued into the air conveying channel 82 a in a region ofthe inlet opening 112 a. The air conveying channel 82 a forms a filterframe of the filter element 52 a. The air conveying channel 82 a isconfigured for a positioning and a stabilization of the filter element52 a. The filter of the filter element 52 a is directly introduced inthe air conveying channel 82 a.

The filter element 52 a is arranged along the airflow 50 a fluidicallyupstream of the fan 48 a. The airflow 50 a between the fan 48 a and thefilter element 52 a is deflected by at least approximately 90°. Adeflection of the airflow 50 a is brought about in the air conveyingchannel 82 a. A flow-through direction r₁ of the airflow 50 a throughthe filter element 52 a is substantially different from a flow-throughdirection r₂ of the airflow 50 a through the fan 48 a. The flow-throughdirection r₂ of the airflow 50 a through the fan 48 a runs parallel tothe main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 a. In an implementation of thefan 48 a as an axial fan it would, however, also be conceivable that theflow-through direction r₂ of the airflow 50 a runs through the fan 48 aperpendicularly to the main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 a. Theflow-through direction r₁ of the airflow 50 a through the filter element52 a runs perpendicularly to the main extent plane 54 a of the filterelement 52 a. The flow-through direction r₁ of the filter element 52 ais angled by at least approximately 90° with respect to the flow-throughdirection r₂ of the fan 48 a. The air conveying channel 82 a isconfigured for a deflection of an airflow 50 a between the fan 48 a andthe filter element 52 a. The air conveying channel 82 a has a bent airguidance. A flow-in direction r_(L1) of the airflow 50 a into the airconveying channel 82 a is substantially different from a flow-outdirection r_(L2) of the airflow 50 a out of the air conveying channel 82a. An angle included by the flow-in direction r_(L1) of the airflow 50 ainto the air conveying channel 82 a and the flow-out direction r_(L2) ofthe airflow 50 a out of the air conveying channel 82 a amounts to atleast approximately 90° (FIG. 3 ).

The filter element 52 a has the main extent plane 54 a. The fan 48 a hasthe main extent plane 56 a. It would be conceivable that the main extentplane 54 a extends parallel to the main extent plane 56 a, wherein adistance between the main extent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 aand the main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 a is smaller than a maximumthickness of the filter element 52 a. Preferentially, in the case of aparallel implementation, a distance between the main extent plane 54 aof the filter element 52 a and the main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48a would be smaller than 50 mm, preferably smaller than 30 mm andparticularly preferentially smaller than 10 mm. In the implementationshown the main extent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 a is angledwith respect to the main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 a. An angleincluded by the main extent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 a andthe main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 a amounts to more than 80°,preferably more than 120° and particularly preferentially more than160°. The angle included by the main extent plane 54 a of the filterelement 52 a and the main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 a amounts toat least approximately 165°. A normal vector of the main extent plane 54a of the filter element 52 a that intersects with the filter element 52a and a normal vector of the main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 a thatintersects with the fan 48 a include a smallest angle of at leastapproximately 15°. Preferably the main extent plane 56 a of the fan 48 aand the main extent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 a include asmallest angle of at least 60°, preferably at least 70°, with animaginary plane in which the section line between the main extent plane56 a of the fan 48 a and the main extent plane 54 a of the filterelement 52 a runs and which is situated symmetrically between the filterelement 52 a and the fan 48 a. Preferentially a section line of the mainextent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 a and the main extent plane56 a of the fan 48 a runs in a proximity of the filter element 52 a andof the fan 48 a. A smallest distance between the section line and thefilter element 52 a is in particular smaller than 15 cm, preferablysmaller than 10 cm and particularly preferentially smaller than 5 cm. Asmallest distance between the section line and the filter element 52 ais smaller than a smallest distance between the fan 48 a and the filterelement 52 a. At least a large portion of normal vectors of the mainextent plane 54 a of the filter element 52 a that intersect with thefilter element 52 a are free of an intersection point with the fan 48 a.All normal vectors of the main extent plane 54 a of the filter element52 a that intersect with the filter element 52 a are free of anintersection point with the fan 48 a. The filter element 52 a and thefan 48 a are partially arranged at an angle next to each other (FIG. 3).

The blower device 14 a further comprises an energy storage 84 a. Theenergy storage 84 a is embodied by an accumulator. The energy storage 84a serves for an energy supply of the fan 48 a. A main extent plane ofthe energy storage 84 a extends at least substantially parallel to amain extent plane of the housing unit 58 a. The energy storage 84 a isarranged in a lower region of the blower device 14 a. The housing unit58 a accommodates the fan 48 a, the filter element 52 a and the energystorage 84 a. The housing unit 58 a serves for a protection and anorientation of the fan 48 a, the filter element 52 a and the energystorage 84 a. Furthermore, the energy storage 84 a is implemented suchthat it is exchangeable via the cover 76 a (FIG. 3 ).

The respiratory protection system 10 a further comprises an externaloperating unit 62 a. The external operating unit 62 a is embodied by aremote control. The operating unit 62 a comprises operating elements 64a and a control and/or regulation unit 66 a that is configured for acontrol and/or regulation of the blower device 14 a. By way of example,the external operating unit 62 a is connected to the blower device 14 avia a cable 88 a. The control and/or regulation unit 66 a of theexternal operating unit 62 a is in particular configured to actuate thecontrol and/or regulation unit 86 a of the blower device 14 a dependingon an input at the operating elements 64 a. For example, a performancegrade of the fan 48 a can be adjusted via the operating elements 64 a.Furthermore, the fan 48 a can be activated or deactivated via theoperating elements 64 a. The external operating unit 62 a furthercomprises a sensor unit 68 a for capturing environmental parameters. Thecontrol and/or regulation unit 66 a is configured, in at least oneoperation state, to control and/or regulate the blower device 14 a onthe basis of the environmental parameters. The control and/or regulationunit 66 a is configured, in operation, to actuate the control and/orregulation unit 86 a of the blower device 14 a, a performance grade ofthe fan 48 a being adapted via the control and/or regulation unit 86 aof the blower device 14 a on the basis of the environmental parameters.The sensor unit 68 a is configured to capture an air quality, an ambientpressure and/or an oxygen concentration.

The respiratory protection system 10 a further comprises a vest 60 athat is to be worn by the user 18 a. The vest 60 a is embodied as atextile vest. On a rear side of the vest 60 a the blower device 14 a isarranged. The blower device 14 a is releasably connected to the vest 60a. During operation, the blower device 14 a is worn by the user 18 a onhis back via the vest 60 a. The external operating unit 62 a is moreoverconfigured to be worn by a user on his chest. The external operatingunit 62 a is arranged on a front side of the vest 60 a.

Therefore, environmental parameters can be captured by means of thesensor unit 68 a in particular in a head region of the user 18 a.

The respiratory protection system 10 a further comprises a breathing airline 46 a, which is connected to the blower device 14 a and isconfigured for guiding the breathing air flow 26 a. The breathing airline 46 a connects the blower device 14 a to the mouth protection device12 a. The breathing air line 46 a is connected to the blower device 14 avia the air outlet opening 80 a of the blower device 14 a. The breathingair line 46 a is embodied by a tube. In operation, the breathing airline 46 a is configured for guiding the breathing air flow 26 a.

The mouth protection device 12 a comprises a mask base body 16 a. Themask base body 16 a is configured to cover a mouth and nose region ofthe user 18 a. Beyond this the mask base body 16 a is configured to atleast partially delimit a breathing zone 20 a. In operation, the maskbase body 16 a delimits the breathing zone 20 a, together with the faceof the user 18 a and a separating layer 38 a. The mask base body 16 a ismade at least largely of a flexurally soft material. The mask base body16 a is made completely of a flexurally soft material. The mask basebody 16 a is made completely of a dimensionally instable material.

The mask base body 16 a is made at least largely of a textile material.The mask base body 16 a is completely made of a textile. The mask basebody 16 a is made of a textile. The mask base body 16 a is implementedso as to be at least substantially airtight. It would in particular beconceivable that a textile which the mask base body 16 a is made of hasa coating which at least reduces air permeability. The mask base body 16a is in particular airtight at least at an absolute pressure of 1 bar,preferably at least 2 bar and particularly preferentially at least 3 bar(FIG. 4 ).

The mouth protection device 12 a further comprises a sealing element 90a. The sealing element 90 a is fixedly connected to the mask base body16 a. The sealing element 90 a is arranged at an upper edge of the maskbase body 16 a. The sealing element 90 a is configured to seal the maskbase body 16 a against the face of the user 18 a at least at an upperedge of the mask base body 16 a. The sealing element 90 a is configuredto seal a breathing zone 20 a and an outlet region 40 a toward the eyesof the user 18 a in order to avoid an airflow into the eyes of the user18 a. The sealing element 90 a is made of a foam material. The sealingelement 90 a is realized by a foam material strip. By way of example,the sealing element 90 a is glued with the mask base body 16 a (FIG. 6).

The mouth protection device 12 a further comprises a breathing airsupply line 22 a which is connected with the mask base body 16 a. Thebreathing air supply line 22 a delimits a breathing air channel 24 a,which ends in the breathing zone 20 a and is configured to guide theactive breathing air flow 26 a. The breathing air supply line 22 a isimplemented by an elastic tube. By way of example, the breathing airsupply line 22 a has an oval cross section. However, a different crosssection of the breathing air supply line 22 a, deemed expedient bysomeone skilled in the art, would also be conceivable, like for examplea circular cross section. The breathing air supply line 22 a extendsfrom the breathing air line 46 a to the breathing air zone 20 a.

Furthermore, the mouth protection device 12 a comprises a furtherbreathing air supply line 22′a, which is redundant to the breathing airsupply line 22 a and is connected to the mask base body 16 a. Thefurther breathing air supply line 22′a delimits a further breathing airchannel, which ends in the breathing zone 20 a and is configured toguide the active breathing air flow 26 a. The further breathing airsupply line 22′a is implemented by an elastic tube. By way of example,the further breathing air supply line 22′a has an oval cross section.The further breathing air supply line 22′a extends from the breathingair line 46 a to the breathing zone 20 a. The further breathing airsupply line 22′a is arranged on a side of the mask base body 16 a thatfaces away from the breathing air supply line 22 a. The breathing airsupply lines 22 a, 22′a are configured to be guided past a head 30 a ofthe user 18 a on different sides of the head 30 a of the user 18 a. Thefurther breathing air supply line 22′a has a function that is redundantto the breathing air supply line 22 a. The further breathing air supplyline 22′a serves for increasing safety of a supply with the breathingair flow 26 a. The breathing air supply line 22 a and the furtherbreathing air supply line 22′a are respectively functional independentlyfrom each other.

The breathing air line 46 a that is connected with the blower device 14a is configured to guide the breathing air flow 26 a to the breathingair supply lines 22 a, 22′a. The breathing air line 46 a is furthermoreconfigured to divide the breathing air flow 26 a for the breathing airsupply line 22 a and the further breathing air supply line 22′a. Thebreathing air line 46 a is coupled with the breathing air supply line 22a and the further breathing air supply line 22′a via a T-connectionpiece 108 a. The T-connection piece 108 a is configured to be arrangedin a nape region of the user 18 a.

Beyond this the mouth protection device 12 a further comprises afastening strap 28 a for fixing the mask base body 16 a to the head 30 aof the user 18 a. The fastening strap 28 a is embodied by an elasticstrap, like in particular a rubber strap. The fastening strap 28 a has awidth corresponding at least approximately to a width of the breathingair supply line 22 a. Furthermore, an effective length of the fasteningstrap 28 a is realized so as to be adjustable. The fastening strap 28 aextends from a first end of the mask base body 16 a to anopposite-situated second end of the mask base body 16 a. The fasteningstrap 28 a extends from a first end of the mask base body 16 a, in whichthe breathing air supply line 22 a is connected with the mask base body16 a, to an opposite-situated second end of the mask base body 16 a, inwhich the further breathing air supply line 22′a is connected with themask base body 16 a. In a state when the mouth protection device 12 a isworn, the fastening strap 28 a is configured to be guided around anocciput, in particular in a nape region. The mouth protection device 12a comprises at least one connection unit 32 a for a simultaneous plug-inconnection of the fastening strap 28 a and the at least one breathingair supply line 22 a, 22′a with the mask base body 16 a. The mouthprotection device 12 a comprises the connection unit 32 a and a furtherconnection unit, which is not shown in detail, for a simultaneousplug-in connection of the fastening strap 28 a with the breathing airsupply line 22 a and the further breathing air supply line 22′a,respectively, and with the mask base body 16 a. The connection units 32a serve for pulling off or putting off the mouth protection device 12 a.With the connection units 32 a, a coupling is brought about for examplevia a plug-in movement. The connection units 32 a in each case comprisea first coupling element 92 a and a second coupling element 94 acorresponding to the first coupling element 92 a. The first couplingelements 92 a of the connection units 32 a exemplarily form in each casean interface receptacle, while the second coupling elements 94 a of theconnection units 32 a in each case form an interface projection. Thefirst coupling elements 92 a of the connection units 32 a are fixedlyconnected with the mask base body 16 a respectively at opposite ends.The second coupling element 94 a of the connection unit 32 a isimplemented fixedly with a first end of the fastening strap 28 a andwith the breathing air supply line 22 a. The further second couplingelement 94 a of the further connection unit 32 a is implemented fixedlywith a second end of the fastening strap 28 a and with the furtherbreathing air supply line 22′a. The first coupling elements 92 a of theconnection units 32 a are respectively implemented by a tube connection.The first coupling elements 92 a of the connection units 32 a arerespectively configured to latch with the second coupling elements 94 aof the connection units 32 a. The second coupling elements 94 a of theconnection units 32 a in each case comprise actuation elements 96 a forreleasing the latch connection (FIGS. 1, 5 ).

The mouth protection device 12 a comprises a head-fastening strap 98 afor an additional fixing of the mask base body 16 a to the head 30 a ofthe user 18 a. Furthermore, an effective length of the head-fasteningstrap 98 a is implemented so as to be adjustable. The head-fasteningstrap 98 a extends from a first end of the mask base body 16 a to anopposite-situated second end of the mask base body 16 a. Thehead-fastening strap 98 a extends from a first end of the mask base body16 a, in which the breathing air supply line 22 a is connected with themask base body 16 a, to an opposite-situated second end of the mask basebody 16 a, in which the further breathing air supply line 22′a isconnected with the mask base body 16 a. In a state when the mouthprotection device 12 a is worn, the head-fastening strap 98 a isconfigured to be guided around an occiput, particular an upper head.

The mouth protection device 12 a comprises a fastening unit 100 a and afurther fastening unit 100′a for an adjustable fastening of thehead-fastening strap 98 a with the mask base body 16 a on said ends. Forfastening, the head-fastening strap 98 a is guided adjustably throughrecesses at the fastening units 100 a, 100′a.

The mouth protection device 12 a further comprises an adjusting unit 34a, by means of which at least an effective length of a side edge 36 a ofthe mask base body 16 a is implemented so as to be adjustable. By meansof the adjusting unit 34 a, an effective length of the side edge 36 a isimplemented so as to be adjustable from the first end of the mask basebody 16 a, in which the first coupling element 92 a is arranged, to thesecond end of the mask base body 16 a, in which the further firstcoupling element is arranged. The side edge 36 a extends substantiallyparallel to a main extent direction of the mask base body 16 a. Theadjusting unit 34 a comprises a cord 102 a, in particular an elasticcord, and a cord clamp 104 a. The cord 102 a of the adjusting unit 34 aextends in a channel of the mask base body 16 a from the first end ofthe mask base body 16 a to the second end of the mask base body 16 a,which is situated opposite the first end. The cord 102 a is fastened onthe first end and on the second end. An effective length of the cord 102a, and thus also of the side edge 36 a of the mask base body 16 a, isimplemented so as to be manually adjustable via the cord clamp 104 a. Inparticular, an effective length of the cord 102 a is implemented so asto be manually adjustable via the cord clamp 104 a by the formation ofdifferent-sized loops of the cord 102 a.

The mouth protection device 12 a further comprises the separating layer38 a, which is connected with the mask base body 16 a and is configuredfor an at least partial separation of the breathing zone 20 a from theoutlet region 40 a. The outlet region 40 a is at least partly delimitedby the mask base body 16 a. The outlet region 40 a is arranged below thebreathing zone 20 a. In an operation state, the mask base body 16 adelimits, together with the face of the user 18 a, a spatial region thatis divided into a breathing zone 20 a and an outlet region 40 a by meansof the separating layer 38 a. The separating layer 38 a forms, togetherwith the mask base body 16 a, a channel that at least partly forms thebreathing zone 20 a and extends as far as a middle region of the mouthprotection device 12 a. The channel formed by the separating layer 38 aextends from the breathing air channel 24 a and the further breathingair channel as far as a mouth and/or nose region of the user 18 a. Inthe mouth and/or nose region of the user 18 a, the breathing zone 20 amerges into the outlet region 40 a. The separating layer 38 a isimplemented integrally with the mask base body 16 a. The separatinglayer 38 a protrudes perpendicularly to the mask base body 16 a betweenthe breathing zone 20 a and the outlet region 40 a. The separating layer38 a has in a middle region a recess 106 a connecting the breathing zone20 a to the outlet region 40 a.

The separating layer 38 a is implemented at least substantially of atextile material. The separating layer 38 a is completely made of atextile. The separating layer 38 a is configured for a defined airguidance. The separating layer 38 a is configured to guide the breathingair flow 26 a past the mouth and/or nose region of the user 18 a beforethe breathing air flow 26 a reaches the outlet region 40 a. For thispurpose, the separating layer 38 a has in its middle region the recess106 a, which connects the breathing zone 20 a to the outlet region 40 a.During operation, the breathing air flow 26 a flows from the breathingair channel 24 a and the further breathing air channel into thebreathing zone 20 a and from the breathing air zone 20 a through therecess 106 a into the outlet region 40 a. The recess 106 a is arrangedin a proximity of the mouth and/or nose region of the user 18 a (FIG. 6).

Beyond this the mouth protection device 12 a comprises a discharge valve42 a, which is configured to regulate a pressure in the breathing zone20 a to an at least approximately constant value. The discharge valve 42a is implemented by an overpressure valve, in particular a one-wayoverpressure valve, which is configured to open if a definedoverpressure is exceeded in the breathing zone 20 a, respectively theoutlet region 40 a, relative to an environment. The discharge valve 42 ais configured to permit, in particular maintain, a defined overpressurein the breathing zone 20 a. Preferably the discharge valve 42 a isimplemented by a mechanical valve. The mask base body 16 a is notcompletely sealed with respect to the face of the user 18 a, such thatair may also leave at a transition from the mask base body 16 a to theface, besides the discharge valve 42 a. If at the transition from themask base body 16 a to the face there is too much leakage or if themouth protection device 12 a is taken off, it is no longer possible forthe pressure in the breathing zone 20 a to be maintained and thepressure drops below the limit value of the discharge valve 42 a. Thismay be detected by the blower device 14 a, in particular by a load ofthe fan 48 a, and if applicable a warning signal may be given to theuser 18 a. In this way faulty wearing of the mouth protection device 12a can be indicated to the user 18 a automatically. Furthermore, the fan48 a may thus stop automatically when the mouth protection device 12 ais put on. Under regular conditions, the pressure in the breathing zone20 a is regulated to an approximately constant value by means of thedischarge valve 42 a (FIG. 4 ).

It is also conceivable that the mask base body 16 a comprises asubregion 44 a which is implemented in an air-permeable fashion. Thesubregion 44 a is in particular made of an air-permeable textile. Thesubregion 44 a directly adjoins the outlet region 40 a. The subregion 44a serves for a defined discharge of air in the outlet region 40 a. Thesubregion 44 a is provided in addition to the discharge valve 42 a; itwould however also be conceivable that only the subregion 44 a isprovided, the subregion 44 a taking on the function of the dischargevalve 42 a.

In FIG. 7 a further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. Thefollowing description is substantially limited to the differencesbetween the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding components,features and functions that remain the same, the description of theexemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 may be referred to. In order todistinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a that wasadded to the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1to 6 has been replaced by the letter b in the reference numerals of theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 . Regarding components having the samedenomination, in particular regarding components having the samereference numerals, the drawings and/or the description of the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 may principally be referred to.

FIG. 7 shows a blower device 14 b of a respiratory protection system.The blower device 14 b is configured for a generation of a breathing airflow 26 b. The blower device 14 b is configured for a generation of abreathing air flow 26 b for a mouth protection device. The blower device14 b comprises a housing unit 58 b. The housing unit 58 b is implementedby a plastic housing. The housing unit 58 b comprises two interconnectedhousing shells 70 b, 72 b, namely a first housing shell 70 b and asecond housing shell 72 b. The housing unit 58 b has a thickness of lessthan 70 mm.

The blower device 14 b further comprises a fan 48 b for generating anairflow 50 b. The blower device 14 b is configured to create anoverpressure in the mouth protection device 12 b. The fan 48 b isconfigured to create an overpressure in the mouth protection device 12b. The fan 48 b is implemented by an electrical radial fan.

The blower device 14 b further comprises a filter element 52 b. Thefilter element 52 b is configured to be flown through by the airflow 50b. The filter element 52 b is implemented by a rectangular-cuboid-shapedfilter module. The filter element 52 b is implemented by an aerosolfilter. The filter element 52 b is embodied as a depth filter, inparticular as a lamellate filter. A main extent plane 54 b of the filterelement 52 b extends at least substantially parallel to a main extentplane of the housing unit 58 b. The filter element 52 b is arranged in alower region of the blower device 14 b. The housing unit 58 baccommodates the fan 48 b and the filter element 52 b.

Furthermore the blower device 14 b comprises a further filter element52′b. The further filter element 52′b is configured to be flown throughby the airflow 50 b. The further filter element 52′b is configured to beflown through by the airflow 50 b before the filter element 52 b. Thefurther filter element 52′b is implemented by arectangular-cuboid-shaped filter module. The further filter element 52′bis implemented by an activated-carbon odor filter. A main extent plane54′b of the further filter element 52′b extends at least substantiallyparallel to a main extent plane of the housing unit 58 b. The furtherfilter element 52′b is arranged in a lower region of the blower device14 b. The housing unit 58 b accommodates the fan 48 b, the filterelement 52 b and the further filter element 52′b. Air inlet openings 78b are arranged on an entry side of the further filter element 52′b. Thefurther filter element 52′b is arranged on an entry side of the filterelement 52 b.

The fan 48 b is arranged next to the filter element 52 b, the airflow 50b being deflected between the fan 48 b and the filter element 52 b. Thefurther filter element 52′b is also arranged next to the fan 48 b. Thefilter element 52 b, the further filter element 52′b and the fan 48 bare together arranged in the housing unit 58 b.

The blower device 14 b further comprises an air conveying channel 82 b,which accommodates the filter element 52 b and is configured for guidingthe airflow 50 b between the filter element 52 b and the fan 48 b. Theair conveying channel 82 b is implemented separately from the housingunit 58 b. The housing unit 58 b comprises a receptacle for a definedaccommodation of the air conveying channel 82 b. The air conveyingchannel 82 b is implemented so as to be removable from the housing unit58 b. The air conveying channel 82 b can be inserted in the housing unit58 b in a defined position. In a state when the air conveying channel 82b is inserted in the housing unit 58 b, the air conveying channel 82 bis directly coupled with an entry channel of the fan 48 b. An outletopening 114 b of the air conveying channel 82 b is coupled with theentry channel of the fan 48 b in a sealing manner.

The filter element 52 b is fixedly integrated in the air conveyingchannel 82 b. The further filter element 52′b is fixedly integrated inthe air conveying channel 82 b. The air conveying channel 82 b, thefilter element 52 b and the further filter element 52′b form a filterexchange module 110 b. The filter exchange module 110 b is implementedso as to be exchangeable as a whole via the cover 74 b. The filterelement 52 b and the further filter element 52′b are at least partiallyconnected to the air conveying channel 82 b by substance-to-substancebond. The filter element 52 b and the further filter element 52′b areglued in the air conveying channel 82 b. The filter element 52 b and thefurther filter element 52′b are glued in the air conveying channel 82 bin a region of an inlet opening 112 b. The air conveying channel 82 bforms a filter frame of the filter element 52 b and of the furtherfilter element 52′b. The filter element 52 b and the further filterelement 52′b are arranged in a stacked fashion. The filter element 52 bis arranged along the airflow 50 b fluidically upstream of the fan 48 b.The further filter element 52′b is arranged along the airflow 50 bfluidically upstream of the filter element 52 b. The airflow 50 bbetween the fan 48 b and the filter element 52 b is deflected by atleast approximately 90°. A deflection of the airflow 50 b is broughtabout in the air conveying channel 82 b. A flow-through direction r₁ ofthe airflow 50 b through the filter element 52 b is substantiallydifferent from a flow-through direction r₂ of the airflow 50 b throughthe fan 48 b. A flow-through direction r₃ of the airflow 50 b throughthe further filter element 52′b is substantially different from theflow-through direction r₂ of the airflow 50 b through the fan 48 b. Theflow-through direction r₃ of the airflow 50 b through the further filterelement 52′b corresponds essentially to the flow-through direction r₁ ofthe airflow 50 b through the filter element 52 b. The flow-throughdirection r₂ of the airflow 50 b through the fan 48 b runs parallel to amain extent plane 56 b of the fan 48 b. The flow-through direction r₁ ofthe airflow 50 b through the filter element 52 b runs perpendicularly tothe main extent plane 54 b of the filter element 52 b. The flow-throughdirection r₃ of the airflow 50 b through the further filter element 52′bruns perpendicularly to the main extent plane 54′b of the further filterelement 52′b. The flow-through direction r₁ of the filter element 52 band the flow-through direction r₃ of the further filter element 52′b areangled by at least approximately 90° relative to the flow-throughdirection r₂ of the fan 48 b. The air conveying channel 82 b isconfigured for deflecting the airflow 50 b between the fan 48 b and thefilter element 52 b. The air conveying channel 82 b has a bent airguidance. A flow-in direction r_(L1) of the airflow 50 b into the airconveying channel 82 b is substantially different from a flow-outdirection r_(L2) of the airflow 50 b out of the air conveying channel 82b. An angle included by the flow-in direction r_(L2) of the airflow 50 binto the air conveying channel 82 b and the flow-out direction r_(L2) ofthe airflow 50 b out of the air conveying channel 82 b amounts to atleast approximately 90°.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 respiratory protection system-   12 mouth protection device-   14 blower device-   16 mask base body-   18 user-   20 breathing zone-   22 breathing air supply line-   22′ breathing air supply line-   24 breathing air channel-   26 breathing air flow-   28 fastening strap-   30 head-   32 connection unit-   34 adjusting unit-   36 side edge-   38 separating layer-   40 outlet region-   42 discharge valve-   44 subregion-   46 breathing air line-   48 fan-   50 airflow-   52 filter element-   52′ filter element-   54 main extent plane-   54′ main extent plane-   56 main extent plane-   58 housing unit-   60 vest-   62 operating unit-   64 operating element-   66 control and/or regulation unit-   68 sensor unit-   70 housing shell-   72 housing shell-   74 cover-   76 cover-   78 air inlet opening-   80 air outlet opening-   82 air conveying channel-   84 energy storage-   86 control and/or regulation unit-   88 cable-   90 sealing element-   92 coupling element-   94 coupling element-   96 actuation element-   98 head-fastening strap-   100 fastening unit-   100 fastening unit-   102 cord-   104 cord clamp-   106 recess-   108 T-connection piece-   110 filter exchange module-   112 inlet opening-   114 outlet opening-   d thickness-   r₁ flow-through direction-   r₂ flow-through direction-   r₃ flow-through direction-   r_(L1) flow-in direction-   r_(L2) flow-out direction

1. A blower device for a respiratory protection system, with a fan forgenerating an airflow, with at least one filter element which isconfigured to be flown through by the airflow, with a housing unitaccommodating the fan and the at least one filter element, and with anair conveying channel, which accommodates the filter element and isconfigured for guiding the airflow between the filter element and thefan, wherein the air conveying channel is configured for a deflection ofan airflow between the fan and the filter element, wherein the airconveying channel is embodied separately from the housing unit and theat least one filter element is fixedly integrated in the air conveyingchannel, and wherein the filter element is arranged along the airflowfluidically upstream of the fan, wherein the housing unit has athickness d of less than 70 mm, wherein the air conveying channel isrealized so as to be removable from the housing unit, and wherein the atleast one filter element is connected to the air conveying channel atleast partly by substance-to-substance bond.
 2. The blower deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the air conveying channel and the at leastone filter element form a filter exchange module.
 3. (canceled)
 4. Theblower device according to claim 1, wherein the air conveying channelforms a filter frame of the at least one filter element.
 5. The blowerdevice according to claim 1, wherein a flow-in direction of the airflowinto the air conveying channel is substantially different from aflow-out direction of the airflow out of the air conveying channel. 6.The blower device according to claim 1, wherein the air conveyingchannel has an inlet opening and an outlet opening, an opening crosssection of the inlet opening being substantially larger than an openingcross section of the outlet opening (114 a; 114 b).
 7. The blower deviceaccording to claim 1, comprising a further filter element, which issituated next to the fan and which is fixedly integrated in the airconveying channel.
 8. The blower device according to claim 7, whereinthe air conveying channel, the filter element and the further filterelement form a filter exchange module, in particular an alternativefilter exchange module.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The blower device according toclaim 1, wherein the fan is configured to create a volume flow of theairflow of at least 50 l/min and maximally 250 l/min.
 11. A respiratoryprotection system, in particular a blower respiratory protection system,with a blower device according to claim 1 and with at least one mouthprotection device.
 12. The respiratory protection system according toclaim 11, wherein the at least one blower device is configured to createa positive pressure in the mouth protection device.